FAMILIAR FACES (19th edition)



Welcome to our 19th edition of Familiar Faces! With DWS alumni spanning the globe, we thought it would be fun for you to see what everyone is up to and to have the opportunity to re-connect with your DWS community.

^{*Note: class years listed are for graduation of the 8th grade and the names following the year are the class teacher at the time of graduation.}

Dame Wilburn (Dameon)

Class of '86 | Mary MacNair and

Carol Fulmer

Holidays Past

When I think of my time at Waldorf, what I remember most are the holidays. I still remember the St. Lucia song and passing out donuts and coffee to the teachers. That song: “Wake up Lucia comes today, I’ll be glad, Lucia comes again this year. To bring us joy and bring us cheer”. Just thinking of the holidays we celebrated that I did not hear about in my Detroit neighborhood.

For me, the best day of the year was when St. Nicolas and Rupert would come to school. The devious excitement that comes with betting on who would get a Rupert switch instead of a gift. Guessing whose voice was muffled under St, Nicolas’s beard. Wondering what we would get for our gifts. But, mostly I remember the year we received black and white cookie refrigerator magnets and an orange. I was disappointed and then I understood that each magnet was handmade. I understood that each gift was from the heart and not just manufactured.

At the Reunion with Carol Fulmer and fellow classmates Jessica Young (kneeling), Melissa Reichel (Duke), Charlotte Gerrits (Jarvis) and Sonya Duffy

That is what Waldorf meant and means to me. It was always my safe space. A place I could and still can call home. Memories of the Shepherds Play, and Michaelmas. dancing the Maypole and walking the Advent spiral. I remember the sense that we were a family. NO matter what might happen, we had each other and that made everything alright. Happy Holidays family!

Learning all of my lessons through stories, it was natural that I would become a storyteller with the Moth. I have yet to include any of my Waldorf experiences but I'm sure they will show up in the end. If you want to hear my voice again head to Themoth.org.

Stefan Schaefer

Class of '85 | Dorothy Ogle and

Alan MacNair

So sorry I missed the recent reunion! Seeing all the familiar faces on social media had me reflecting on my four years at DWS (grades 5-8) and, more broadly, my experiences as a Waldorf student, Board member and current parent. 

It turns out I’ve been connected or adjacent to Waldorf schools my entire life, as my parents worked at Waldorf teacher training colleges in England, Detroit and New York, and now, as an adult, my children attend the Haleakala Waldorf School here on Maui. To top it off, I married fellow DWS student Chenta Laury (class of '86), whom I first met in middle school (and then re-met and fell for 12 years later at an off-off Broadway play and party in NYC). 

Graduation of son Cyris Laury-Schaefer from Haleakala Waldorf School, Spring 2023

After receiving my undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, and studying as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Kiel in Germany, I began working in film and TV in New York. Over the years, I’ve been involved in over 20 feature films and numerous documentaries as a writer, director and/or producer. More on that here.

In 2009 we moved to Maui, where I continue to work in film and TV and Chenta is a visual artist and educator.

In addition to Waldorf being a great match-maker, I value the education I received for instilling in me a lifelong love of learning, a strong sense of story, and an appreciation for the value of diversity in thought, community and life choices.

Stefan directing actress Nicole Beharie

Kelly Gafford

Class of '83 | Theo Buergin and Paul Gierlach

Detroit Waldorf had a profound impact on both my educational journey and personal growth. In retrospect, I failed to fully comprehend the exceptional nature of this institution during my time there, but it was truly a magical period in my life. The festivals and celebrations of all types of cultures, coupled with the enchantment of performing on stage in theater and concert settings, left an indelible mark on my identity. As a proud Waldorfian and a member of the esteemed 1983 graduating class, I, Kelly Gafford, currently an entrepreneur based in Las Vegas, NV, can attest to the transformative power of this educational experience.

Following my time at DWS, I pursued my studies at Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, graduating in 1987, and subsequently at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where I obtained my degree in General Science in 1991. I later enrolled at the University of Phoenix and obtained my Master's in Business Administration in 2001. Growing up in Michigan during the 70s, 80s, and 90s instilled in me a profound sense of purpose. Despite the prevailing political, social, and economic disparities of that era, I recognized that acquiring a quality education would serve as the foundation upon which I could construct my future. And so, I did. As I reflect on the last 40 years, I attribute my natural curiosity for people, love for music, love for the arts, love of the outdoors to my experience at DWS. It certainly served as a profound awakening for me.

To this day, my home bears tangible remnants of my time at Detroit Waldorf School. The violin, which I played as a student there, now adorns the walls of my living room, while the bust made during my 8th-grade pottery class finds its place of honor in my office. These cherished artifacts serve as fond memories of that remarkable experience some four decades ago.

Photos

1) Kelly with her son Justin

2) 8th grade graduation, June 1983

Joshua Ligosky, Fiona Glas and Kelly (back row), Claudia Valsi and Keva Spott Hickman (front)

3) Kelly with her mom, Justin and sister

4) At the Reunion weekend with fellow classmates and Paul Gierlach

Brian Stephens

Class of '83 | Theo Buergen and Paul

Gierlach

I currently live in Santa Clarita, CA where I am a 15 year State Farm Insurance Agent. Before transition to being an insurance agent, I worked for General Motors as an Area Parts Manager, where I moved around the country, from Pittsburgh, PA to Rochester, NY and ultimately to CA in 2000.

I am married to my wife DeShawn and we have 2 girls, Sydney 13 and Taylor who is 8 and I can't forget about our 4 legged companion, Buster.

Brian and DeShawn with their daughters Taylor and Sidney

After leaving DWS in '83 I attended and graduated from Lutheran High West and then attending Michigan State University "GO GREEN", where I received a BS degree in Building Construction Management. Some of my fondest memories of DWS are rehearsing and performing in our 8th grade production of "A Midsummers Night’s Dream", performing in our orchestra concerts (I played Alto Sax) and playing softball and football across the street in the big open field with my classmates.

I am so very happy to be reconnected with my DWS classmates and teachers after 40 years.

Catching up during the Reunion weekend

Neal Newman, Liz Sutton (Lissa McCutcheon), Fiona Glas, Claudia Valsi, David Olmstead, Drew Moeller, Paul Gierlach, Brian Stephens, Jennifer Morris, and Jason Fisher

Dale (Adelbert) Moss

Class of '81 | Paul Gierlach

I attended Detroit Waldorf School from 5th to 9th Grade. Thanks to my teacher Mr. Gierlach and my Waldorf education, I thrived in high school. The diverse and rich curriculum at DWS prepared me for the many complexities of high school, including the rigorous academics. Additionally, the plentiful recesses and sports experiences at DWS helped me excel in athletics. I played football and track throughout high school at Detroit Lutheran West and in college at Eastern Michigan University. After earning my degree in Public Administration, I tried my hand in playing professional football and eventually began working for Chrysler. I became the Ergonomic Representative for the Jefferson North Assembly plant where I helped design safety operations. 

Dale and Isaiah, June 2022

The biggest joy of my life is my son, Isaiah Moss (19 years old). Isaiah was born with autism, which I was not familiar with at his birth. After some research, I learned that children like Isaiah can face many challenges such as limited quality of life and struggles academically, socially, and physically. However, his mother and I decided that we would raise him to know Jesus Christ and raise him as best as we could. With guidance, faith, and love, Isaiah graduated with honors, grew into a phenomenal athlete and football player, and now has become a successful musician. His music is available on all streaming platforms and has millions of downloads (Isaiah - Praise Him).

Fellow alum Kristine Altwies (class of '80, HS class of '84) shared this Podcast from her series, A Really Good Enough Parent:

Ep 14 I'm Out The Box: From Can't Read to Rap Artist - An Interview with Dale Moss In this episode of A Really Good Enough Parent, father Dale Moss talks about raising his son, Isaiah, after discovering his son was autistic at age four. A former college football player, Dale initially approached his son's condition with the purposeful work of an athlete. After Isaiah discovered unimagined success on the football field, Dale and his brother, music LA-based producer Billy Moss (class of '80), decided to produce one of Isaiah's songs. Isaiah Moss' first record, I'm Out The Box became an instant hit leading to a second song, a website, I'm Out The Box merch, and talking tours to advocate for more positive attention for autism.

Remembering two classmates from the Class of '83

David Officer

(December 1968 - October 2012)

David is one of our classmates that I remember most vividly. We were very good friends and competed against each other on the Big Field across the street from Waldorf. We would often race each other and EVERY SINGLE TIME we would tie. We probably raced each other at least 15 – 20 times and neither one of us could edge out the other. We often would laugh about that because we both wanted the recognition of being the 2nd fastest in our class as Mr. Neal Newman was untouchable. I remember race after race, we would just start laughing as we crossed the finish line side by side, it was like it was out of a movie, tie after tie after tie!

David was very smart, athletic (strong), and loved to laugh. In fact, I remember his laugh as if I just heard it yesterday. He was one of the happiest kids in our class, the guy was always smiling and I mean ALWAYS!

When it became obvious to our class that David had some health issues, we all became very concerned and wanted the very best for him. I truly believe that David was able deal with his health issues much easier being a Waldorf student than he would have at any other school. Waldorf’s strong social structure helped David and us as his classmates cope with this sensitive situation. As we all know, kids can be very cruel to one another, however, no one in our class ever treated David any differently and I am sure he appreciated it. Despite his health issues, David was the happiest kid in the class and always smiling.

Rest in peace, David. I know you are smiling down on us today. Your friend. - Brian Stephens

If I’m being honest, my 8 years at Detroit Waldorf School revolved around the two recesses that we had each day. In retrospect, I realize now all the learning that took place when we weren’t at recess. But at that age, school work was the stuff you did between recesses. That’s where I have most of my memories of David. We were rivals on the playground. I’m talking about the healthy, make you better, make you faster, make you smarter, type of rivalries that come with boys looking to forage their way during those formative years. 

David was not the chatty type. He spoke with his actions. During the school hours, he was easy going, fun loving. He laughed a lot. But during those times on the playground, he had quite the intensity. He was as competitive as all get out. On the football field, I knew that he was going to be the one I was going to have to out run, chase down, or get around. I knew he would be gunning for me every chance he got. And I would expect nothing less. He was competitive and he wanted to win. I admired and respected that about him.

In the classroom, David was smart; seemed he always knew what was going on. What sticks out in my memory, however were the extended absences that David had from school. At that age, we did not spend a whole lot of time ruminating over why he was gone for such long periods of time. We were all just happy when he returned. It wasn’t until it happened at school for the first time that we become aware as to why he was missing so many days at a time - the seizures. We had no idea what was happening. We all were just concerned for our friend and classmate. It was at that point that Mr. Gierlach shared with us that David had had this condition for a while now, but he didn’t want us to know because he didn’t want us to treat him any differently because of the seizures.

When I had heard of his passing, I felt sadness and regret for not having reached out to him sooner. To check in and to catch up. We always feel like there will be time for that. I’ll get to it tomorrow. And then that opportunity is gone – forever. I look back on my Waldorf days fondly. David was a big part of that. Rest in Peace, Brother. The impact you have and the legacy you have left behind lives on. - Neal Newman

Their 7th grade yearbook photos, all right next to each other.

Left to right: Neal, Darian, Brian and David

Darian Williams

(February 1969 - February 2009)

Darian was one of my best friends at Waldorf. I had many sleepovers at his house in Palmer Woods where we had a lot of fun along with his big brother Dan. Darian sometimes had a tough exterior, but when he considered you his friend, you knew it! After leaving Waldorf, we both attended Lutheran High West where we remained very close friends. In high school, particularly in the summer months, we would go to the movies, grab something to eat at various places around Detroit and we loved to watch episodes of the sitcom, Sanford and Son.

After high school, I went to Michigan State and Darian attended Western Michigan University for a year or two before returning home to pursue a career as a police officer in Inkster, MI. After I graduated from MSU, I moved around the country with my job but would periodically come back home to Detroit and would get together with Darian and mutual friends. At some point, Darian was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Anemia, which can be a very debilitating and painful disease. I visited him has often as I could when he was in the hospital. 

Unfortunately, after I moved to CA in 2000, we did not stay in touch as much as we did before and I later found out about his unfortunate passing. I have so many great memories with Darian and his family and I truly miss those days! I remember us joking around with each other and laughing so hard that we would be in tears. Rest in Peace my friend, Love you buddy. - Brian Stephens

My first memories of Darian were right around the 4th grade when our two classes merged into one with Theo Buergin as our class teacher. As you can appreciate, at that age, there were going to be some bumps in transitioning from two classes into one. That other class would go from being our rivals or that “other” class to now being our classmates. Hierarchies had to be re-established and sorted out.

Darian was a friendly kid that looked out for everybody. We lived within easy bike riding distance of each other; a dynamic of which I took full advantage. I cannot count the number of times I ended up at Darian’s house. We had sleepovers where we had the best of times. Darian’s big brother Dan was around and he would play host and entertainment director for those visits. I remember him telling these wild stories which now as I reflect could not have possibly been true. But they were entertaining and had both Darian and I captivated at the time.  

One day I was on one of my training runs through the neighborhood. Darian popped up out of nowhere on his bike and asked me how far I was going. I told him and he just rode alongside me for the 5-mile duration while I ran. Both of us in silence. We were communicating, just not with words. Once that bond was formed, Darian was one who would have your back for life and would look out for his friends no matter the circumstance. Reflecting back on my friendship and time with Darian has been cathartic for me. But again – the tinge of regret is now bearing down on me. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to reconnect with Darian in our later years and to reminisce on those times we spent together in our youth. His passing, like David’s, was way too soon.

Darian – Thank you, for that time spent. Knowing you and counting you as a friend and classmate was an honor. Rest in Peace, Brother. - Neal Newman

Special Udate:

Nils Junge from the 11th Grade Class of 1986-87, who works in the international development sector on poverty and inclusion issues, recently published Who Belongs? How Ideas about Inclusion and Exclusion Are Shaping Our World, for Better and for Worse. Through stories and observations, Nils holds a critical lens to some widely held assumptions and invites readers to reflect on how questions around belonging impact their own lives.

The paperback is available at Amazon.com and the eBook can be found on this and other platforms. 

Make a gift to Detroit Waldorf School's

Annual Fund this Holiday Season!

A gift to the 2023-24 Annual Fund touches all aspects of Detroit Waldorf School. The quality of our robust curriculum, the dedicated instruction from our teachers, and the overall educational experience for each of our students is made possible by generous contributions like yours. 

This year, you may direct your Annual Fund gift to:

• Teacher Salaries
• Arts Programming
• Building Preservation
• New Playground Structures
• Professional Development
• Area of Greatest Need

Thank you for your support of DWS! We appreciate your generosity and wish you and yours a happy and healthy new year.

WANT TO SEE MORE FAMILIAR FACES?

Do you know other alums who might like to join this group?

Can we feature you in an upcoming edition?

Contact: Claudia Valsi, DWS Alumni Outreach Volunteer Coordinator